Quite often, a homeowner may go through a lifetime of home ownership without any reason to contact their homeowner’s insurance company. But when it is necessary to begin the insurance claim process, it is good to be prepared. Here are a few tips when it comes to the homeowners insurance claim process.
Filing a Home Insurance Claim
After a disaster occurs, document the damages with receipts, videos, and photos of the damage before and after repair for your insurance company.
If you need to leave your home because of the damages, secure your home, turn off your water, gas and electricity. Be sure to contact your insurance company with a phone number where you can be reached.
For any insurance claims assistance contact DFS Division of Consumer Services helpline
1-877-693-5236, or online www.MyFloridaCFO.com/Division/Consumers.
Hiring a Contractor
After a natural disaster, many people will contact you about repairing the damages, but before you agree to the work that’s to be done, and the price agreed upon, it is vital that you contact your insurance company BEFORE entering into contract for repairs. This will ensure that you are complying with the stipulations of your policy.
Confirm that the contractor that you hire is licensed to do business in Florida. You can confirm their license, and see if there are any complaints against them by calling the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation at (850) 487-1395, or online www.MyFloridaLicense.com. It is also a good idea to ask for references.
Require all contractors for proof of insurance BEFORE beginning repairs. After natural disasters, many people who are uninsured and not licensed will flood the area looking for work. Keep in mind, if they do not have insurance and are not licensed in Florida, you will receive NO compensation from your insurance company.
Carefully read any contract that requires you to pay out of pocket expenses, or a fee that is based on a percentage of the insurance proceeds. Sometimes it is beneficial to obtain a second opinion from another contractor. Click here to learn more on how to protect yourself from falling victim to contractor and insurance fraud.
Have more questions about homeownership? Our experts would love to help, contact us to get in touch with one of our real estate agents.
Realtor Emeritus
Ann’s Notes
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